I don't consider myself a Republican.
I am a registered "unenrolled" voter--in Massachusetts we don't have "independents." As I get older (and perhaps wiser), I find myself voting for fewer Democrats and for more Republicans. But, I am hardly a Party Voter. By that I mean, I don't automatically vote for a Republican in an election because he/she must have a similar philisophy to me.
You see, to me that's the rub.
Parties don't really have a philisophy. They may claim to have one, but I don't think they really do. Or, can. They're in the business of getting elected. Elected officials have to serve their consitutents, who often are quite diverse and who often have incompatible views and wishes.
I don't envy politicians who must confront this problem each day. Now, don't misunderstand me, I don't really like how most handle this challenge. In fact, I think most of them end up whoring for whoever shouts the loudest and pays them the most in contributions or votes.
What am I then? I think I'm a Conservative. And, in this day and age, despite the overheated rhetoric from the Left, a Conservative isn't a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, anti-immigration, and religious zealot. No. In fact, while I'm sure some who these labels apply to (for real), agree with some of the views held by Conservatives, they don't represent the vision and philisophy of a Conservative. (And, I have news for you, there are just as many in the Liberal camp who those labels apply to as well. It doesn't define their philosophy either.)
What do I mean by Conservative? Well, to me, a Conservative is one who can view the world with a bit of historical perspective. A Conservative is one who has the ability to take an idea that has become many's "conventional wisdom" and critically evaluate it. A Conservative is one who realizes that the passage of time and the notion of "progress" might not necessarily go hand in hand.
What am I talking about. When I was younger, there was such a thing as right and wrong. When I was younger, schools tought us match, english, history, science, and related disciplines. When I was younger, children dressed-up when they should, were tought manners, were punished when they did wrong, and were part of a family and a family's traditions. When I was younger, children were allowed to be children and to learn from the mistakes children made.
Saying "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance should not hurt a reasonable person. Saying "Merry Christmas" should not hurt a reasonable person. A man's holding a door open for a woman should not hurt a reasonable person. Officially defining a marriage as between one man and one woman (while providing similar benefits to others) should not hurt a reasonable person. Having the words "In God We Trust" on our currency should not hurt a reasonable person. And, the list could continue...
Is "should not hurt a reasonable person" the best standard. Maybe not. But, how about looking at the benefit of the traditions? You see, it seems that this part of the argument is never discussed.
What is the benefit for our traditions and customs? Human continuity. Historical linkage. We are descendants of a great past. A past to be revered. A past without mistakes, injustices and shame? Of course not. Our past has many dark moments, but the light is far brighter and significant.
Human beings are, of course, human. As humans, we will always make mistakes. What makes us different than many other creatures, is that we can reason. We can recognize our mistakes nad learn from them. We can (and should) always try to make things better and to leave the world and our nation better off than when we found it.
But, don't forget, sometimes our "solutions" are mistakes themselves. Sometimes, our "mistakes" aren't actually mistakes at all, they just look that way at the time. So, I urge perspective and critical thought. Don't assume that all of our old ways are wrong. Many were not. In fact, they were the product of thousands of years of human development.
Aren't we quite arrogant to assume that we must know best since we live today?
There was a healthy reassessment of our society and culture in the '60's. Young people were empowered and were able to take some responsibility for themselves. Those aren't bad things.
What they did with it and what has come to pass since, however, isn't necessarily progress. It seems that it became fashionable to question everything and to believe that there was always a better, newer way to do things. To believe as gospel, that the ways of our ancesters was primitive and could not possible be best.
What I see, is a growing realization that many of the customs, practices, lessons, and values that our nation once stood for, might not be so bad afterall. There is a growing realization that the alternative view isn't progress at all, but rather a bizarre and once-unimaginable caricature of a philosophy.
An American philosophy that is fundamentally un-American can never succeed. You see, for most of us, America is a great country. Not perfect, but on-balance, the most perfect in a couple of hundred years.
Don't you wonder why so many millions have always wanted to come here and make it there home? Is there anything wrong with wanting to keep it so?
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
The Pope. RIP.
The passing of the Pope, not long after Ronald Reagan, and likely not too long until Margaret Thatcher, is historic and sad.
It's interesting to not how little pubic recognition such important and unique figures receive by most "opinion makers" while they're still alive.
Instead, criticism and faults are usually given equal (or greater) prominence when they are discussed, than their tremendous accomplishments. Even when they're gone, only grudging respect and acknowledgement is often noted by those who are writing the first draft of history.
Sounds depressing and frustrating, doesn't it? But, don't fret. We are on the cusp of a brand new information-age. No longer does the New York Times, the Washington Post, ABC/CBS/NBC/CNN/MSNBC, Newsweek, Time, NPR, PBS, etc., have the loudest and singular voice on events of the day. No, my friend, that time is OVER.
CSPAN, FOX News, the internet, talk-radio, bloggers, etc., can't help but be heard. And, it's not that they have "overpowered" the other voices. It's just that their word is true to many of us who shook our heads when what was reported was inconsistent with what we saw/lived/knew to be true.
I live in the real world. I don't live in NY City or Washington DC (although I did go to law school and live in DC not too long ago). I don't only work with/eat with/live with/socialize with/commiserate with people just like myself. And, I'm not speaking of race, ethnicity or religtion, but rather about ideology.
My job takes me to the depths of our culture. I am always mixing in a world of educated elites in the legal profession, and a world of illegal aliens, welfare recipients, drug addicts, drunks, common thiefs, violent sociopaths, and a great majority of regular folk just like me.
People who try to live by the golden rule and treat others as they'd like to be treated themselves.
Death reminds us that life is short. It's precious and should be relished.
No one is promised tomorrow. Whether there's something more once it's over is something we'll never know for sure until we get there. But, we can be sure that the right way to live, is to live a good life.
Listen to the world. Watch it as it spins. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
We're alive and we're alive in exciting and momentus times.
This world we know might be heading in the right direction for a change. Isn't that nice?
It's interesting to not how little pubic recognition such important and unique figures receive by most "opinion makers" while they're still alive.
Instead, criticism and faults are usually given equal (or greater) prominence when they are discussed, than their tremendous accomplishments. Even when they're gone, only grudging respect and acknowledgement is often noted by those who are writing the first draft of history.
Sounds depressing and frustrating, doesn't it? But, don't fret. We are on the cusp of a brand new information-age. No longer does the New York Times, the Washington Post, ABC/CBS/NBC/CNN/MSNBC, Newsweek, Time, NPR, PBS, etc., have the loudest and singular voice on events of the day. No, my friend, that time is OVER.
CSPAN, FOX News, the internet, talk-radio, bloggers, etc., can't help but be heard. And, it's not that they have "overpowered" the other voices. It's just that their word is true to many of us who shook our heads when what was reported was inconsistent with what we saw/lived/knew to be true.
I live in the real world. I don't live in NY City or Washington DC (although I did go to law school and live in DC not too long ago). I don't only work with/eat with/live with/socialize with/commiserate with people just like myself. And, I'm not speaking of race, ethnicity or religtion, but rather about ideology.
My job takes me to the depths of our culture. I am always mixing in a world of educated elites in the legal profession, and a world of illegal aliens, welfare recipients, drug addicts, drunks, common thiefs, violent sociopaths, and a great majority of regular folk just like me.
People who try to live by the golden rule and treat others as they'd like to be treated themselves.
Death reminds us that life is short. It's precious and should be relished.
No one is promised tomorrow. Whether there's something more once it's over is something we'll never know for sure until we get there. But, we can be sure that the right way to live, is to live a good life.
Listen to the world. Watch it as it spins. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
We're alive and we're alive in exciting and momentus times.
This world we know might be heading in the right direction for a change. Isn't that nice?
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Sunday Morning and I'm Playing with RSS Readers for Pocket PC
Title pretty much says it all. I think I really like RSS readers for my pocket pc. But, since these apps are fairly new and still evolving, I'm trying to get a feel for them.
To be honest, I haven't really found one that I love. I've been using PocketRSS and Egress, but each has flaws for me. In general, I much prefer the look of Egress, but the functionality of PRSS. PRSS just looks so UGLY on my VGA screen. They should call it PRSSUGLY. (OK, a bit of a stretch--just being silly on a Sunday.)
I just posted a POLL on the topic at Aximsite, and I look forward to seeing what people there think. Go check it out if you want: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=78634
To be honest, I haven't really found one that I love. I've been using PocketRSS and Egress, but each has flaws for me. In general, I much prefer the look of Egress, but the functionality of PRSS. PRSS just looks so UGLY on my VGA screen. They should call it PRSSUGLY. (OK, a bit of a stretch--just being silly on a Sunday.)
I just posted a POLL on the topic at Aximsite, and I look forward to seeing what people there think. Go check it out if you want: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=78634
Saturday, April 02, 2005
The Minuteman Project and Our Looming Immigration Disaster
Have you heard about the Minuteman Project which is about to begin out West? http://www.minutemanproject.com/
Citizens who are fed up with ILLEGAL immigration decided they had to act. I, for one, support them completely.
Ours is a land of immigrants. And, this is a wonderful thing.
Our nation could never have accomplished what it's accomplished without our constant replenishment of talented, hard-working, American-wannabes who come to our nation. I love this. And, I would venture to say, so do MOST of us who are very concerned about the problem of illegal immigration.
For our nation to continue to be strong and good, we need to have some control over what our country is and is becoming. The core values, principles and beliefs which inspired and united us are being whittled away and destroyed.
Why can't we utilize our LEGAL immigration policy? Is it racist or cruel to expect those who want to come to our country to obey our laws? Is it wrong to try to keep a criminal out and to encourage a law-abiding person to come? Isn't that how it used to be?
Many of us are the children and grandchildren of immigrants. Most are the children and grandchildren of legal immigrants. Those who went through proper channels and waited in line and did what America expected. And, the nation and the immigrants were better off for it!
Illegal immigration is not something we must accept, or be afraid to try and stop. The Minutemen are not standing on the border and keeping illegals out. They are showing anyone who'll look how bad the problem is, and how poor our government is doing at addressing the problem. President Bush and the Republican leadership is making a huge mistake in ignoring and misleading us about this problem.
The problem for the government, though, is that the people know the truth. Too many of us regular people see for ourselves what's happening and can't understand why we let it happen.
This is an issue that truly crosses party and ideological lines. Almost all Americans want this to stop.
And, almost all Americans want to encourage healthy immigration so that our Nation continues to progress as it always has. But, if things continue, a disaster is waiting to happen.
How can we expect Al Queda (or other enemies) to NOT cross the border to strike us? Both Mexico and Canada are complicit in the problem and there will be hell to pay when it "bites us in the ass."
As an attorney, and as an attorney who does a great deal of indigent criminal defense work in busy urban courts, I have seen what our "open-border" policies have wrought.
If most people understood how much of their tax money was being spend to provide government services and funds to people who are unwilling to obey our laws, assimilate into our culture, and give-back to the land they take from, I think they'd be aghast!
The governmental funds spent on illegal immigrants is astounding and unreported. Those of us who see it first hand have thousands of stories to tell--if anyone would listen.
So, I support the Minuteman Project and hope that their work helps to shed light on this problem and makes it impossible for our leaders to ignore. Rep. Tom Tancredo is a hero for working so hard to bring this issue to the fore!
For a wonderful blog about our illegal immigration problem and the hero's who are fighting to protect us, check out one of my hero's (Michelle Malkin) new blogs. http://michellemalkin.com/immigration/
Citizens who are fed up with ILLEGAL immigration decided they had to act. I, for one, support them completely.
Ours is a land of immigrants. And, this is a wonderful thing.
Our nation could never have accomplished what it's accomplished without our constant replenishment of talented, hard-working, American-wannabes who come to our nation. I love this. And, I would venture to say, so do MOST of us who are very concerned about the problem of illegal immigration.
For our nation to continue to be strong and good, we need to have some control over what our country is and is becoming. The core values, principles and beliefs which inspired and united us are being whittled away and destroyed.
Why can't we utilize our LEGAL immigration policy? Is it racist or cruel to expect those who want to come to our country to obey our laws? Is it wrong to try to keep a criminal out and to encourage a law-abiding person to come? Isn't that how it used to be?
Many of us are the children and grandchildren of immigrants. Most are the children and grandchildren of legal immigrants. Those who went through proper channels and waited in line and did what America expected. And, the nation and the immigrants were better off for it!
Illegal immigration is not something we must accept, or be afraid to try and stop. The Minutemen are not standing on the border and keeping illegals out. They are showing anyone who'll look how bad the problem is, and how poor our government is doing at addressing the problem. President Bush and the Republican leadership is making a huge mistake in ignoring and misleading us about this problem.
The problem for the government, though, is that the people know the truth. Too many of us regular people see for ourselves what's happening and can't understand why we let it happen.
This is an issue that truly crosses party and ideological lines. Almost all Americans want this to stop.
And, almost all Americans want to encourage healthy immigration so that our Nation continues to progress as it always has. But, if things continue, a disaster is waiting to happen.
How can we expect Al Queda (or other enemies) to NOT cross the border to strike us? Both Mexico and Canada are complicit in the problem and there will be hell to pay when it "bites us in the ass."
As an attorney, and as an attorney who does a great deal of indigent criminal defense work in busy urban courts, I have seen what our "open-border" policies have wrought.
If most people understood how much of their tax money was being spend to provide government services and funds to people who are unwilling to obey our laws, assimilate into our culture, and give-back to the land they take from, I think they'd be aghast!
The governmental funds spent on illegal immigrants is astounding and unreported. Those of us who see it first hand have thousands of stories to tell--if anyone would listen.
So, I support the Minuteman Project and hope that their work helps to shed light on this problem and makes it impossible for our leaders to ignore. Rep. Tom Tancredo is a hero for working so hard to bring this issue to the fore!
For a wonderful blog about our illegal immigration problem and the hero's who are fighting to protect us, check out one of my hero's (Michelle Malkin) new blogs. http://michellemalkin.com/immigration/
Raining Cats and Dogs.
What a mess! It's been a cold, snowy and LONG Winter. Now that it's Spring, it looks like it's gonna be very wet, too.
I just got back from the veterinarian's office to get some vaccines for my dog and for one of my cats. They both were pretty well-behaved, although my dog is really a big ol' wimp. He found the most inaccessible corner of the room when he realized he was about to get a shot in the behind. Maybe he was just showing the tech his best side?
I just got back from the veterinarian's office to get some vaccines for my dog and for one of my cats. They both were pretty well-behaved, although my dog is really a big ol' wimp. He found the most inaccessible corner of the room when he realized he was about to get a shot in the behind. Maybe he was just showing the tech his best side?
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter! (And, Boy I'm Stuffed.)
Happy Easter Everyone!
I actually don't celebrate the holiday--but my wife does--but it sure is a nice time to get together with family and to have fun and eat LOTS of food.
You can pretty much sign me up anytime eating lots of food is on the agenda.
And, since we have a wonderful little girl, she was given tons of stuffed bunnies. Colorful, historical, whimsical. You name it, it's hopping around in her toy chest right about now.
We had a nice weekend weather-wise in Massachusetts, although it's still a little chilly. I think warm and wet Spring weather are right around the corner. Can't wait.
I actually don't celebrate the holiday--but my wife does--but it sure is a nice time to get together with family and to have fun and eat LOTS of food.
You can pretty much sign me up anytime eating lots of food is on the agenda.
And, since we have a wonderful little girl, she was given tons of stuffed bunnies. Colorful, historical, whimsical. You name it, it's hopping around in her toy chest right about now.
We had a nice weekend weather-wise in Massachusetts, although it's still a little chilly. I think warm and wet Spring weather are right around the corner. Can't wait.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
New Pocket PC Article Being Written
I'm in the process of writing a new Pocket PC article. I won't say what I'm writing about, but I will say that I enjoy doing it. Hopefully, people will benefit from it (and enjoy reading it) as much as before.
Here's a link to my last article.
I really do like to write. But, I'm so out of practice that even this blog helps me to get back into the swing of things.
Here's a link to my last article.
I really do like to write. But, I'm so out of practice that even this blog helps me to get back into the swing of things.
Digital Music Confusion
I've been getting into digital music lately.
I have many CDs that I hadn't listened to for some time, and I decided to convert a bunch for listening on my Dell Axim X50v. (It's a sweet piece of technology and it has a good included .mp3 (etc.) playback capability.
So, where to begin? I have Nero's wonderful suite of apps which came with my Sony DVD burner. It allows me to convert my CD's to .mp4s. (Nero Digital Music Format.)
I've done that to a bunch of CDs, and put a whole lot on a compact flash card I had. Sounds good.
In addition, I've bought a couple of songs from MusicMatch, just to experiment with buying music online.
But, I just bought my wife an iPod Shuffle. So, she's been experimenting with iTunes.
And, between the music players on my computer: Windows Media, Neros, Music Match, etc., I've created a monster. What I'm trying to figure out it how to buy a song once, and be able to load it on my Axim, and my wife's iPod.
That's one of my weekend projects.
I have many CDs that I hadn't listened to for some time, and I decided to convert a bunch for listening on my Dell Axim X50v. (It's a sweet piece of technology and it has a good included .mp3 (etc.) playback capability.
So, where to begin? I have Nero's wonderful suite of apps which came with my Sony DVD burner. It allows me to convert my CD's to .mp4s. (Nero Digital Music Format.)
I've done that to a bunch of CDs, and put a whole lot on a compact flash card I had. Sounds good.
In addition, I've bought a couple of songs from MusicMatch, just to experiment with buying music online.
But, I just bought my wife an iPod Shuffle. So, she's been experimenting with iTunes.
And, between the music players on my computer: Windows Media, Neros, Music Match, etc., I've created a monster. What I'm trying to figure out it how to buy a song once, and be able to load it on my Axim, and my wife's iPod.
That's one of my weekend projects.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Been a While...
OK. I haven't left. I've just been pretty busy.
The Schiavo story still dominates the news. But, she's almost gone now. A week, plus, of starvation will do that to you.
After a week or so of further thought, I haven't changed my opinion. I'm still troubled by the way that the politicians involved themselves in this case.
What do you expect? They're politicians.
I hope to write about a few other things this weekend. Maybe a few shorter notes on some less serious issues, too.
The Schiavo story still dominates the news. But, she's almost gone now. A week, plus, of starvation will do that to you.
After a week or so of further thought, I haven't changed my opinion. I'm still troubled by the way that the politicians involved themselves in this case.
What do you expect? They're politicians.
I hope to write about a few other things this weekend. Maybe a few shorter notes on some less serious issues, too.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Terry Schiavo. What a Mess for that Poor Girl.
This Terry Schiavo story is such a sad mess. Up front I must admit that I am not especially well-versed in the important medical details of the case, but like millions of others that wont keep me from commenting and posting thoughts. However worthless and uninformed they may be.
The thing that often seems forgotten in the media and political circus, is that crippled human being is lying in her hospice bed, either already like-dead or it's functional equivalent, or alive but trapped in a broken body that won't allow her to let others know.
Obviously her family (parents) love her dearly and hold out hope for any possibility of recovery (however imperfect) or miracle. Her "estranged" husband is fighting desperately to have her starve to death.
It really is a tug-of-war about life or death.
I'm not implying that her husband is wicked. Or, that he has alterior motives. Or, that Terry's wishes weren't conveyed to him in the fashion that he's described. His story may be true.
I doubt it, but of course, I don't know. Only he and Terry know.
What should happen with her medical care? Again, I don't know. If she truly wanted to die if she wound up in this sort of situation, then perhaps it's alright. If she didn't want that, but if she is already "gone" and is never going to reappear in some sensient form, then perhaps it's alright. Even if her parents (understandably) can't let her go.
But, if she is already there, and if she wanted others to try everything they could to keep her alive until she might be blessed by a miracle, then it's horribly wrong.
There really is not "right" answer here, since we don't know all and can't see the future.
My gut would prefer that she live, if her loved one's could and would continue to care for her--if there is ANY possible chance. Because I think there might be, I'd hope for that outcome.
But, this story is more than this story.
Because once the political folks smell/sense opportunity, they plunge like pelican's over the bay.
This is the part of the story that's so unseemly to me.
If the Court in Florida did a poor job making it's decision, then a tragedy has occurred. But, when the finger-in-the-wind crowd gets involved for their own motives, it can't be good for the rest of us.
Prepare for the next case. If the result we fear has happened, prevent it from happening again. Write "Terry's Law" so that the next "Terry" can't be starved if she can and will be cared for and if some legitimate medical experts think there's a chance of some recovery. But for now, "Terry's Law" is just a dream.
So, to the pols, let the poor girl be. If the court system has rendered it's final verdict and all appeals have been taken and lost, then we must accept fate and have faith that Terry will be helped to a better place. Even if that's not the "right" end, the future will be far worse, complicated and probably more painful for many others if this is taken up by other branches of government.
The thing that often seems forgotten in the media and political circus, is that crippled human being is lying in her hospice bed, either already like-dead or it's functional equivalent, or alive but trapped in a broken body that won't allow her to let others know.
Obviously her family (parents) love her dearly and hold out hope for any possibility of recovery (however imperfect) or miracle. Her "estranged" husband is fighting desperately to have her starve to death.
It really is a tug-of-war about life or death.
I'm not implying that her husband is wicked. Or, that he has alterior motives. Or, that Terry's wishes weren't conveyed to him in the fashion that he's described. His story may be true.
I doubt it, but of course, I don't know. Only he and Terry know.
What should happen with her medical care? Again, I don't know. If she truly wanted to die if she wound up in this sort of situation, then perhaps it's alright. If she didn't want that, but if she is already "gone" and is never going to reappear in some sensient form, then perhaps it's alright. Even if her parents (understandably) can't let her go.
But, if she is already there, and if she wanted others to try everything they could to keep her alive until she might be blessed by a miracle, then it's horribly wrong.
There really is not "right" answer here, since we don't know all and can't see the future.
My gut would prefer that she live, if her loved one's could and would continue to care for her--if there is ANY possible chance. Because I think there might be, I'd hope for that outcome.
But, this story is more than this story.
Because once the political folks smell/sense opportunity, they plunge like pelican's over the bay.
This is the part of the story that's so unseemly to me.
If the Court in Florida did a poor job making it's decision, then a tragedy has occurred. But, when the finger-in-the-wind crowd gets involved for their own motives, it can't be good for the rest of us.
Prepare for the next case. If the result we fear has happened, prevent it from happening again. Write "Terry's Law" so that the next "Terry" can't be starved if she can and will be cared for and if some legitimate medical experts think there's a chance of some recovery. But for now, "Terry's Law" is just a dream.
So, to the pols, let the poor girl be. If the court system has rendered it's final verdict and all appeals have been taken and lost, then we must accept fate and have faith that Terry will be helped to a better place. Even if that's not the "right" end, the future will be far worse, complicated and probably more painful for many others if this is taken up by other branches of government.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Lots of Work To Do This Weekend
Well, it's a Saturday morning. Just had my coffee, walked the dog, read the paper, checked my favorite web sites and blogs. So far so good.
Now I need to figure out what I have to accomplish this weekend.
Between household tasks/chores, job billing, hobby writing, and various other things I'd like to accomplish, I feel like it'll be Monday morning before I know it.
Oh well, I guess you just need to start at the beginning and take it one task at a time.
But first, I've gotta check a few more sites...
Now I need to figure out what I have to accomplish this weekend.
Between household tasks/chores, job billing, hobby writing, and various other things I'd like to accomplish, I feel like it'll be Monday morning before I know it.
Oh well, I guess you just need to start at the beginning and take it one task at a time.
But first, I've gotta check a few more sites...
Monday, March 14, 2005
Freedom IS on the March!
For all of those who can't stand George W. Bush, please stop talking for a minute and look at what's happening in the Middle East.
Elections in the Palestinian Territory, Elections in Iraq, Libya giving up it's quest for WMD's, Egypt about to permit some opposition in their elections, and Lebanese people marching in the streets to tell the world that it doesn't want Syria occupying their country any longer. Frankly, these developments in a few short years is historic and unimaginable--to most except for the President and his advisors.
Have there been mistakes? Of course. Name a significant moment in history when there weren't. Is this guaranteed to "work" and to actually help to make the region more peaceful? Nothing is guaranteed. There are still major problems and hurdles ahead. There are many twists in the road as well, and there's no guarantee we'll choose the right one every time.
But, would this be possible without our President's vision, strength and drive? Not for another thousand years--if then.
On second thought, I am wrong above, when I said nothing is guaranteed. Because one thing is guaranteed: if we had not taken this path, there would be more and greater "September 11ths." No question.
And, to those critics and perpetual second-guessers, you had/have no ideas, except the status quo. Not one. Do you not understand that you are becoming irrelevant because of that?
You're welcome to sit with us at the table, just not until you grow up, get serious, and bring some original, constructive thinking with you. Until then, go back to your whining and griping and conspiracies and let the adults try to make the world better and safer for all who mean us not harm.
Elections in the Palestinian Territory, Elections in Iraq, Libya giving up it's quest for WMD's, Egypt about to permit some opposition in their elections, and Lebanese people marching in the streets to tell the world that it doesn't want Syria occupying their country any longer. Frankly, these developments in a few short years is historic and unimaginable--to most except for the President and his advisors.
Have there been mistakes? Of course. Name a significant moment in history when there weren't. Is this guaranteed to "work" and to actually help to make the region more peaceful? Nothing is guaranteed. There are still major problems and hurdles ahead. There are many twists in the road as well, and there's no guarantee we'll choose the right one every time.
But, would this be possible without our President's vision, strength and drive? Not for another thousand years--if then.
On second thought, I am wrong above, when I said nothing is guaranteed. Because one thing is guaranteed: if we had not taken this path, there would be more and greater "September 11ths." No question.
And, to those critics and perpetual second-guessers, you had/have no ideas, except the status quo. Not one. Do you not understand that you are becoming irrelevant because of that?
You're welcome to sit with us at the table, just not until you grow up, get serious, and bring some original, constructive thinking with you. Until then, go back to your whining and griping and conspiracies and let the adults try to make the world better and safer for all who mean us not harm.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
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Sunday Morning Coffee and Paper
I really love Sunday mornings. Another day off (well, sort of, since I'm self-employed and sometimes need to do a little work on this day of "rest"), and a good day to drink lots of coffee and read the newspapers.
We had a great big snow-storm yesterday! Lots of heavy, wet snow. The neighborhood is filled with the icy boulders left behind by the massive plows.
I have to admit, I love this stuff! My dog and I have been out and about a few times since the snow began, and the cool and quiet of the aftermath are really peaceful and calming.
Not too much in the news today since Mr. Nichols was captured/surrendered. Is there any doubt that the female FBI agent shown escorting him into the FBI building was "selected" to be the PC image of the day? I can't imagine that who would escort him was left to chance, and the beaurocrats in the agency likely thought it was a good "image" to have the female FBI agent escorting the female-deputy-overpowering-inmate led in by a woman.
To be clear, I think women can be superb officers. But, I think it's foolish to ignore reality and to act as though there is no difference between a female and male officer--when there are often and likely obvious and apparent differences. Could a strong, beefy and tough female officer do a better job than a weak, scrawny, and wimpy male officer? Of course.
But, the point is that we should look to the individual officer, and make sure the strong, beefy and tough ones are assigned where needed. The reality is that this will often mean a male officer should be assigned instead of a female officer when selecting within a particular group of individuals. And, that's the point. Choose the right PERSON for the task. Don't choose a person because they're "next in line" or "on the schedule" or "because it's his/her turn." A little meritocracy goes a long way.
Who knows, it might have saved three (or perhaps four) lives!
Well, the coffee is kicking in, and that means I gotta run! Later.
We had a great big snow-storm yesterday! Lots of heavy, wet snow. The neighborhood is filled with the icy boulders left behind by the massive plows.
I have to admit, I love this stuff! My dog and I have been out and about a few times since the snow began, and the cool and quiet of the aftermath are really peaceful and calming.
Not too much in the news today since Mr. Nichols was captured/surrendered. Is there any doubt that the female FBI agent shown escorting him into the FBI building was "selected" to be the PC image of the day? I can't imagine that who would escort him was left to chance, and the beaurocrats in the agency likely thought it was a good "image" to have the female FBI agent escorting the female-deputy-overpowering-inmate led in by a woman.
To be clear, I think women can be superb officers. But, I think it's foolish to ignore reality and to act as though there is no difference between a female and male officer--when there are often and likely obvious and apparent differences. Could a strong, beefy and tough female officer do a better job than a weak, scrawny, and wimpy male officer? Of course.
But, the point is that we should look to the individual officer, and make sure the strong, beefy and tough ones are assigned where needed. The reality is that this will often mean a male officer should be assigned instead of a female officer when selecting within a particular group of individuals. And, that's the point. Choose the right PERSON for the task. Don't choose a person because they're "next in line" or "on the schedule" or "because it's his/her turn." A little meritocracy goes a long way.
Who knows, it might have saved three (or perhaps four) lives!
Well, the coffee is kicking in, and that means I gotta run! Later.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Mr. Nichols, Here's Your New Cell. Get Used To It.
Well, our Atlanta courthouse and Customs murderer has surrendered. Good thing for all.
I hope he gets a little "rough justice" along the way from surrender, arrest, detention, trial, conviction, and death penalty.
The only thing better would have been his taking matters into his own hands and doing the job faster, cheaper and more brutally.
God Bless the victims and their families.
I hope he gets a little "rough justice" along the way from surrender, arrest, detention, trial, conviction, and death penalty.
The only thing better would have been his taking matters into his own hands and doing the job faster, cheaper and more brutally.
God Bless the victims and their families.
OK. I May As Well Throw My Hat In The Ring, Too.
Well, as the title suggests, I'm going to see if anyone else cares what I'm blogging. I doubt it--at least for now, since I just started this last night and I really haven't done much, yet.
But, I figure it might be fun to have a place to jot down some thoughts and to see what others might think about them. (Am I asking for trouble? Do I really want to get into this? I have a feeling this isn't going to end well.)
So, I'll post this link over on Aximsite to start, and we'll see what happens.
Fingers crossed! Breath held! What a brave new world we live in!
But, I figure it might be fun to have a place to jot down some thoughts and to see what others might think about them. (Am I asking for trouble? Do I really want to get into this? I have a feeling this isn't going to end well.)
So, I'll post this link over on Aximsite to start, and we'll see what happens.
Fingers crossed! Breath held! What a brave new world we live in!
Crazy Atlanta Courthouse Murders
What a sad and scary story from Atlanta, GA yesterday. A nasty lunatic about to be convicted of rape and kidnapping, grabs a gun from a petit, female, deputy sheriff and shoots and kills three people--including the judge--during his escape.
Of course, my comments on the incident are limited by the information that has been reported in the press. I know that it's quite possible that some of it is innacurate, and that more will be revealed, and that things may turn out to have been different than we now think. But...
Can we please abolish political correctness and speak honestly to one another? I have no doubt that men and women can both do most jobs. But, to deny that there are differences between men in women and between their capabilities in individual circumstances is to deny the reality of the world staring you in the face.
Size, strength and capacity to defend one's self are critical for a police officer, a soldier, a jail guard and a bailiff. Isn't it likely that the maniac in Atlanta had an easier time making his escape because of who was assigned to guard him?
I work in busy, urban criminal courts every day. I know how difficult, dangerous and unpredictable the job can be and the prisoners are. I also know that some of the most professional and effective court officers I work with are women. And, that some of the men are pretty incompetent. But, I would always choose the beefy-guys to guard the most likley dangerous prisoners (men or women), if I had my choice.
Call it what you want (or, me what you want), but I speak of what I know.
If we can't honestly question whether a petite female should have been escorting this GA defendant around the courthouse than we have some serious problems in our culture.
Of course, my comments on the incident are limited by the information that has been reported in the press. I know that it's quite possible that some of it is innacurate, and that more will be revealed, and that things may turn out to have been different than we now think. But...
Can we please abolish political correctness and speak honestly to one another? I have no doubt that men and women can both do most jobs. But, to deny that there are differences between men in women and between their capabilities in individual circumstances is to deny the reality of the world staring you in the face.
Size, strength and capacity to defend one's self are critical for a police officer, a soldier, a jail guard and a bailiff. Isn't it likely that the maniac in Atlanta had an easier time making his escape because of who was assigned to guard him?
I work in busy, urban criminal courts every day. I know how difficult, dangerous and unpredictable the job can be and the prisoners are. I also know that some of the most professional and effective court officers I work with are women. And, that some of the men are pretty incompetent. But, I would always choose the beefy-guys to guard the most likley dangerous prisoners (men or women), if I had my choice.
Call it what you want (or, me what you want), but I speak of what I know.
If we can't honestly question whether a petite female should have been escorting this GA defendant around the courthouse than we have some serious problems in our culture.
Friday, March 11, 2005
First Post!
Just testing out how this thing works. Nothing too profound to say tonight. (And, don't expect much profundity from me in the future.)
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